How Do Car Insurance Companies Calculate the Value of a Totaled Car?

When you have had a devastating auto accident, and your insurance adjuster tells you your car is totaled, you may wonder, “How do car insurance companies calculate the value of a totaled car?” Your own insurance company will pay the vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV) prior to the accident, minus any deductible. ACV is calculated by subtracting depreciation from the replacement cost. Factors like mileage, condition, and market demand can influence this calculation, while your loan balance or original purchase price do not.

Have you been injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence when your vehicle is considered totaled? Our experienced car accident lawyers are here to assist you. We help seriously injured accident victims throughout the Midwest.

When Is a Car a Total Loss?

A vehicle is generally considered a total loss when the repair costs exceed a specific percentage of its actual cash value, a limit called the total loss threshold. This threshold varies by state but usually falls between 60% and 100%.

After an accident, the insurance company decides the car’s actual cash value right before the crash, looking at its make, model, mileage, and general condition.

Then, they’ll get a repair estimate from a mechanic. The insurer compares this estimate to the car’s value and factors in state regulations. If the repairs cost more than what the car is worth, it will likely be declared a total loss.

How Is the Value of a Total Loss Car Determined?

Determining if a car is totaled is strictly mathematical. A car is deemed a total loss if the combined cost of repairs plus the vehicle’s scrap (salvage) value exceeds a certain percentage of the vehicle’s pre-accident market value.

For example, let’s say a car is worth $14,000, but it needs $10,000 in repairs and has a scrap value of $6,000. The total of the repair cost and scrap value comes to $16,000, which is greater than the car’s market value. Additionally, the repairs alone are over 70% of the car’s value, so the total exceeds the 60% to 100% total loss threshold found in many states. In this example, the insurer will declare the car a total loss and pay out its market value (minus any applicable deductibles) rather than covering the repair costs.

What Is Scrap Value?

Scrap value, also known as salvage value, is the estimated worth of your vehicle’s remaining parts or materials after it has been declared a total loss. This value reflects what can realistically be recovered by selling the vehicle for parts or recycling the metal and other components.

When determining if a car is a total loss, insurers add the scrap value to the anticipated repair costs. This is because the scrap value represents the financial return the insurer could get from the damaged vehicle, and combining it with repair costs provides a more accurate total loss calculation. If this combined amount exceeds the vehicle’s pre-accident market value, the vehicle is considered a total loss.

What Is Fair Market Value?

Fair value or fair market value, as defined by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), is the price at which your vehicle might be sold in a fair deal between consenting parties. It’s the prospective selling price for your car in its current state in an open market transaction.

This shouldn’t be confused with Kelley Blue Book or the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) value; insurers often use this to underquote a car’s ACV, which deducts depreciation from the replacement cost after loss.

How Much Must Insurance Companies Pay Out for a Total Loss Car?

When a vehicle is a total loss, insurers must pay its pre-accident market value, adjusted for depreciation, mileage, and condition.

Factors That May Impact Fair Market Value

Several factors affect a vehicle’s market value, including its make, model, age, mileage, condition, and demand in the used car market. Modifications or upgrades, like custom paint jobs, can also impact its value. Gathering evidence of these factors can help you negotiate for a higher value.

What Is the Cutoff Value for Repair?

In Illinois, a vehicle is deemed a “total loss” if the insurance company determines the repair costs exceed the pre-accident value (minus its scrap value). In such cases, the insurance company isn’t required to repair the vehicle.

Can Used Aftermarket Parts Be Used to Repair My Vehicle?

Yes, aftermarket parts can be used for repairs. If your vehicle is repairable, there are three main types of parts a shop might use:

1. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM): These are new, high-quality parts from the vehicle’s original manufacturer. These are the most expensive.
2. Non-OEM (Aftermarket): These are new parts from third-party companies. They are less expensive, but quality varies.
3. Recycled or Salvaged Parts: These are used parts from other vehicles. This is a common, cost-effective option—especially for older cars.

How to Maximize the Total Loss Value of Your Car

You can often get a higher settlement for your car by being organized and proactive. You don’t need to accept the first offer from your insurer. To increase the offer:

• List all features: inform the adjuster about any optional features or special packages.
• Show maintenance records: prove your car was well-maintained with service records.
• Provide photos: share photos from before the accident to show your car’s condition.
• Document recent upgrades: show receipts for new items like tires or a battery.

Factors That Affect the Fair Market Value of Your Car

Several factors affect a car’s value, including its mileage, the vehicle’s age, and overall condition. Any damage, rust, or modifications can reduce its worth, while neutral colors tend to hold their value better. The selling price of comparable cars in your area also plays a significant role.

Who Pays the Taxes and Transfer Fees on the New Vehicle?

If you buy a new or replacement car, retain all receipts. Auto insurance firms are obligated to cover relevant sales tax, licensing, and transfer expenses. Include them in your auto insurance claim.

What If I Owe More Than My Totaled Vehicle Is Worth?

Being “underwater” on a car loan means you owe more on the loan than the car is worth. If your car is totaled and the insurance payout is less than your loan balance, you’ll need to pay the difference. You are still responsible for paying outstanding loans on the vehicle.

The insurance payout may also go directly to your lender to cover your loan balance. Gap insurance can help by covering the gap between the insurance payout and what you owe (minus your deductible). If the accident wasn’t your fault, the other driver’s insurance should pay for the car’s value, though it may not cover your full loan balance if you owe more than the car is worth.

How Do I Know If the Settlement Offer for My Total Loss Is Fair?

To see if the claims adjuster’s settlement for your totaled car is fair, calculate its actual market value. An independent appraisal is a good idea, as insurance appraisers may undervalue your car to reduce the payout.

What If I Disagree with the Insurance Provider’s Valuation of My Total Loss Car?

If you think the insurance company’s valuation of your totaled car is too low, you can negotiate for a higher payout. You can use a professional, independent appraisal to negotiate a better settlement.

What Happens After My Car Is Declared a Total Loss?

If your car is totaled in an accident, your insurer will pay the pre-accident ACV (minus any deductible). You’ll need to transfer the title to them.

Can I Keep the Totaled Vehicle?

In some circumstances, you may choose to keep and repair the vehicle at your own cost. Whether you can keep your totaled car varies by state. For example, in Illinois, you can only opt to keep a totaled vehicle if it is 9 years old or older. The insurance payout will be reduced based on its salvage value.

Do I Still Have to Pay Insurance If My Car Is Totaled?

Yes, you must continue to pay your insurance premium until the car is declared a total loss and the title is transferred to the insurance company. After that, you can cancel the insurance.

What If I Was Injured in the Automobile Accident?

If you’re injured in a car accident, your insurance or the at-fault driver’s insurance may cover medical expenses and lost wages. Personal injury protection (PIP) or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can also help.